The Calgary Underground Film Festival has been a staple in my life every spring. I’ve attended 14 of the festivals (yes, even when CUFF went virtual in 2020) and gotten to know the staff and programmers. One could even draw a straight line from this festival to my film studies degree from the University of Calgary.
Here are some of my hacks for making the most of your CUFF experience!
Plan Ahead
Like any event that can draw a big crowd, CUFF can be very frustrating if you don’t plan ahead. I recommend taking the CTrain to the Globe Cinema when possible. Alternatively, if you live centrally, take a scooter, or even an Uber or a taxi if you don’t mind spending a little extra.
If you do need to drive there, parking tends to fill up around the Globe, especially once street parking becomes free after 6 p.m. I recommend the Centennial Parkade located just southeast of the Globe itself. Parking typically ranges from three to five bucks, and there’s always plenty of spaces. The doors re-lock after 9 p.m., but they’re monitored 24/7 by security, so you can use the intercom to get in.
Unsure which films to check out? Check in with friends you know are going and ask which ones they’re going with. Leave the research to them and tag along. Some of the best experiences at CUFF are with friends in a packed theatre. And if you’re looking for some curated reccs, check the next page.
Skip the Concession Line
During the festival, the concession lines at the Globe are quite long. Arrive early for your screening, grab your popcorn and soda, and avoid the snaking lines. But if you really want to experience CUFF, you have to try some of the hot dogs. They offer beef, chicken, and veggie options, along with a robust toppings bar. This is only available at the upper concession, so plan accordingly.
Want a hot tip? Wait until your film is just about to start, and right when the lights go down, hit the concession for a dog and a beer. This ensures a much shorter line as everyone is seated for the film, and you still have several minutes before the actual feature starts. Coordinate with your friends to save your seat (ideally, an aisle seat to avoid the dreaded shuffle past strangers) and be sure to grab them a dog, too.
Just want a beer or two? Official CUFF sponsor Eighty-Eight Brewing makes it even easier to get yourself a drink without going to the concession. Keep an eye out for several valiant beer merchants with tubs strapped to their chests located throughout the theatre. These usually have short lineups, as cracking a cold one takes significantly less time than filling popcorn or pouring a soda. I find two tall cans are perfect for a screening.
Be Spontaneous
While planning your schedule can save you a lot of headaches, it’s also fun to just wing it. If you went to an early screening and want to keep the fun going? Grab a ticket for one of the late shows, sight unseen. Sometimes the most fun you can have at the festival is catching a screening of something you’d never have seen otherwise.
It’s also well worth sticking around after select screenings to attend the often informative and entertaining Q+As with the cast and crew. These sessions can potentially spark some inspiration for budding filmmakers or creative juice for that script you’re still trying to crack.
Embrace the Unexpected
CUFF is all about getting out of your comfort zone. For example, the Saturday Morning Cereal Cartoon Party is a highlight every year, with all-you-can-eat sugary and classic cartoons.
A key tip for this event is to bring your own bowl. They provide complimentary compostable bowls at the event, but they’re quite small. Go full cereal freak and
bring a dish with several compartments to try a variety of cereals in one trip! Wear comfy pyjamas and bring your own blankets and pillows for this event to really kick it.
Another event worth attending is the 48 Hour Movie-Making Challenge. Local independent filmmakers are given a prop, a line of dialogue, and a genre, then must create a short film in just 48 hours. The completed films are screened together for anyone to attend, and the vast array of different short films is always a highlight. You never know what young and upcoming filmmakers may be cutting their teeth with this event.
Make your CUFF experience the best it can be. And I’ll see you at the movies!
